My India
Welcome to ONLiNE UPSC

Navigating the Balance of Fundamental Rights in Electoral Bonds

The Role of Double Proportionality in Judicial Decisions

Navigating the Balance of Fundamental Rights in Electoral Bonds

  • 20 Feb, 2024
  • 344

Clash of Fundamental Rights

The Supreme Court's decision regarding electoral bonds posed a significant challenge, as it juxtaposed the right to information against the right to privacy. This scenario underscored the necessity for a delicate approach to reconcile conflicts between fundamental rights.

Understanding Double Proportionality

Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud introduced the concept of "double proportionality" as an important judicial instrument in this context. This methodology comprises two main steps:

  • Evaluating the Least Intrusive Means: The court evaluates whether the state's method to achieve its objectives is the least detrimental to the rights in question, ensuring minimal encroachment.
  • Assessing Balanced Impact: It examines if there is an unequal impact on either right, aiming for fair equilibrium where neither right is excessively compromised.

The Electoral Bond Judgment

In addressing the electoral bonds issue, the Supreme Court applied the "double proportionality" test to evaluate the scheme's effect on these opposing rights. The judgment concentrated on whether the scheme's constraints on the right to information were warranted by its goals to prevent black money and safeguard donor confidentiality.

Outcome of the Ruling

The Court determined that the electoral bonds scheme did not fulfill the criterion of being the least restrictive means available. It deduced that alternative approaches, such as electoral trusts, could accomplish the government's goals without significantly infringing upon either the right to information or the right to privacy.

Significance for Future Legal Challenges

This pivotal ruling not only invalidated the electoral bonds scheme but also set a benchmark for how courts might tackle comparable conflicts involving fundamental rights. The "double proportionality" test has become a vital framework for ensuring that governmental actions remain balanced and equitable, reflecting a profound dedication to protecting individual liberties from unwarranted state intrusion.

Stay Updated with Latest Current Affairs

Get daily current affairs delivered to your inbox. Never miss important updates for your UPSC preparation!

Stay Updated with Latest Current Affairs

Get daily current affairs delivered to your inbox. Never miss important updates for your UPSC preparation!

Kutos : AI Assistant!
Navigating the Balance of Fundamental Rights in Electoral Bonds
Ask your questions below - no hesitation, I am here to support your learning.
View All
Subscription successful!